Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Manipur’s Sangai Festival Faces Boycott Calls as Government Urges Participation

Officials cast the event as a step toward economic recovery supported by recent IDP relief outlays.

Overview

  • COCOMI called a statewide boycott with a mass sit-in on November 20 and a cease-work, stay-at-home strike on November 21, the festival’s opening day.
  • Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel appealed for active public participation in the November 21–30 festival to boost tourism, trade and livelihoods.
  • The government reports spending Rs 18 crore per month on IDP assistance, with Rs 523 crore from the Centre under a Special Relief Package for housing restoration and public assets.
  • The Governor convened a closed-door meeting with MLAs and senior officials to seek support for a peaceful conduct of the festival.
  • The Manipur Congress backed the boycott, stating it stands with IDPs who argue the festival is premature without wider consultation and mobility relief.